From as far back as I can remember, the world of knife-making has surrounded me. Memories of watching my father in his shop, the late-nights, the endless hours, stand out the clearest in my mind. His pieces always fascinated me. I remember spending much time studying them, understanding them, and searching for flaws I could never find. Through the years I was fortunate enough to attend his knife shows, meet collectors, engravers and makers, and listen to their discussions on the art form. Each show left me feeling alive and filled with ideas.

I have always enjoyed working with my hands, exploring the different ways in which materials can be manipulated. Art has always been an important part of my life. Over the years I’ve taken every opportunity to expand my skills as an art maker, taking classes in painting, still life drawing and composition, and now studying part-time at the University of Western Ontario in their Visual Arts Department.

The idea of making knives was something I thought about for many years. It took some time before I could admit it, perhaps because I was intimidated by the caliber of my father’s work. But as I attended more of his shows, the desire could no longer be contained. My mind became so full of ideas; they simply had to be realized. I approached my father, who agreed to apprentice me. From the first knife I completed I knew I had found my new passion. The indescribable itch in my fingers, which had always been for a paintbrush, was quickly replaced with the overwhelming desire to hold a file. I haven’t looked back since.